Pata Zoo Announces Death of Thailand's Oldest Asiatic Black Bear
Pata Zoo announced the death of its oldest Asiatic black bear, Dam Ngo, who lived over 40 years under the zoo's care. The bear, along with his partner Dam Dan, had been moved back to the zoo for elderly care before his passing on 12 October 2026. His longevity surpasses the typical wild lifespan and is seen as a point of pride for the zoo.
Pata Zoo, an old zoo located in a Thai shopping mall, posted a tribute for the Asiatic black bears that returned to their final home, noting they are the longest-lived in Thailand. The zoo opened officially in 1984 and has imported many exotic species, including a pair of Asiatic black bears. In the past, the zoo had a special zone for three bear species: polar bears, sloth bears, and Asiatic black bears. The two bears lived together for many years, outliving other bear species. Ten years ago, due to old age, they were moved to an animal rest facility in Nonthaburi Province, where staff observed signs that the bears were approaching the end of their lives, yet later they displayed strong mental fortitude and improved physical condition, prompting the management to discuss the matter again.
On 8 April 2025, zoo management ordered the senior bear pair to be moved back to Pata Zoo, announcing a sign that read 'Elderly Bear Shelter' to provide closer care and educate visitors. According to statistics, 'The grandfather and grandmother Asiatic black bears of Pata Zoo are the two individuals with the longest lifespan in Thailand, having lived under the zoo's care for over 40 years.' The staff playfully nicknamed them 'Dam Ngo' and 'Dam Dan'.
For over a year, both Dam Ngo and Dam Dan showed improving health, surpassing the typical lifespan of Asiatic black bears, which in the wild ranges from 20 to 25 years. On the morning of 10 October 2026, Dam Ngo showed signs of being unable to stand normally, though he continued to eat; staff suspected an inflamed wound on his hind foot and began treatment. However, on the morning of 12 October 2026, Dam Ngo exhibited clear weakness, refused food, and suffered labored breathing, ultimately passing away in the late morning.
His passing leaves a sense of loss among the staff and marks the end of the legend of the pair of Asiatic black bears that held the record for the greatest longevity in Thailand. Although Dam Ngo is gone, his long life beyond the normal lifespan is considered a point of pride for Pata Zoo staff, who believe he has left behind a valuable manual and knowledge on extending animal health for the benefit of other animals under their care.
Farewell, Dam Ngo. You remain an important memory and a symbol of 'endurance' for this sky‑zoo forever.
'Goodbye The Longest-Living Asiatic Black Bear in Thailand'
